Discover The Heritage Expeditions Difference
All-inclusive Small-ship Expedition Cruising
Pioneers in authentic, small ship expedition cruising, every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard our purpose-built luxurious expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 - 29 days.
Family-owned and operated for the last 40 years continues Heritage Expeditions' proud tradition of exceptional, personalised all-inclusive adventures sharing unforgettable, intimate explorations of some of the world's best kept secrets inlcuding Japan's off-the-beaten-track locations; sailing through the tropical island paradises of the Philippines, Indonesia and Melanesia, Australia's iconic Kimberley coast, New Zealands wild and remote coastline, down to the remote, wilderness and wildlife havens of Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands and into the heart of Antarctica, the Ross Sea.
Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management we are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition cruising. Each voyage is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring passengers maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.
Where in the world can we take you next?
Scroll down to start planning your next adventure ...
ANTARCTICA'S ROSS SEA, 'the heart of Antarctica', is the last great unspoiled region of the world's oceans where only a few hundred people are lucky enough to visit each year. Departing from New Zealand, walk on the ice with Emperor penguins and discover Adélie penguin rookeries, colossal ice shelves, enjoy magnificent whale watching and step inside the preserved huts of heroic legends Shackleton and Scott.
The SOUTH PACIFIC & SOUTH EAST ASIA is a feast for the senses with hypnotic, colourful 'sing-sing' performances and magnificent natural wonders that leave you spellbound. Wake up to far-flung uninhabited islands fringed with coral gardens, white sand beaches and pristine forest canopies. From warm hospitality and dazzling cultural traditions to coral reefs teeming with marine life and incredible wildlife encounters, each day is an epic adventure.
Experience nature on an unfathomable scale in Australia's world-famous KIMBERLEY coast. Explore one of the world's most pristine and untouched wildernesses where towering, iron-tinged red cliffs, torrential waterfalls, hidden coves and rare and endangered wildlife meet white-sand beaches and magnificent reefs. Visit Aboriginal rock art galleries and discover indigenous customs and connections to this ancient land and its incredible history.
'The land of the Rising Sun', JAPAN is a fascinating combination of ancient customs, ultramodern living, neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks. With the world's sixth longest coastline, more than 6,800 islands and islets, the perfect way to explore these seldom visited destinations is by sea and Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage.
All World Heritage Sites and Nature Reserves, the Subantarctic Islands offer a world-class wilderness and wildlife experience: The Snares, Campbell, Auckland, Bounty, Antipodes and Macquarie Islands. These isolated isles are breeding grounds for 10 of the world's Albatross species and home to massive Royal and King Penguin colonies, Elephant Seals and astonishing tapestries of flowering megaherbs.
Bordering the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and once part of Gondwanaland, NEW ZEALAND has a fascinating natural and cultural history. With 15,000 kilometres of coastline with awe-inspiring fiords, gold sand beaches, hidden coves, tranquil waterways, native forests and marine reserves, New Zealand offers an unparalleled small ship expedition experience.
Introducing: Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) brings an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for our signature expeditions. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure.
Indulge in an awe-inducing Observation Lounge with library, bar and sweeping 270-degree views, or relax the Oberservation Deck with 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers. Reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, enclosed hot tub, sauna and steam room. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night.
Technical Specs
Year Built: 1991
Shipyard: Rauma, Finland
Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4
Accommodation: 140 guests
Length: 124 metres
Beam: 18 metres
Draft: 4.97 metres
Gross Tonnage: 8,378gt
Engines: 3,940 horsepower (x2)
Maximum Speed: 15 knots
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Range: 8,600 nautical miles
Zodiacs: 14
Heritage Explorer
Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience for a maximum of just 18 guests. Built by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton, it features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room with spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines, beers and spirits; and a well-stocked local library. Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or ajourn to the Sun Deck for wildlife spotting. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use, and two tenders allow for deeper exploration and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Technical Specs
Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht
Expedition Staff & Crew: 5
Guests: 18
Cabins: 10
Length: 30m
Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Tenders: 2
